As an old year ends and a new year rolls in, this is a time when many people make New Year’s resolutions. Many people do not realize how important this age old tradition is in establishing and maintaining sound emotional well being. One important trait that all healthy living things share in common is that they continue to grow. Another word for growth is change. When we fail to take the opportunity to grow in either our personal or professional lives we are susceptible to feeling all kinds of emotional distress least of which is state of boredom or stagnation. So, use the New Year as a catalyst to identify an area of your life you would like to improve upon and put into action a plan to make growth promoting changes.
Here are some tips to help make your healthy intentions come to fruition:
**Make sure your goal is behavioral in nature.
**Be specific (how, when, where, how much, how often, etc.)
**Small change is better than no change
**Make sure that your goal is beneficial for you
**Remember that change is often difficult and uncomfortable.
**Have realistic expectations and be patient with yourself.
**Write your goal down.**Share your goal with family and friends
**Monitor your progress.
**Strive for progress not perfection.
Have a safe New Years from the counselors at PTC !!!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Preparing for the Holidays
The Holiday season is rapidly approaching. Though, traditionally a time of joy and celebration, the holidays can also be a time of increased stress. All of us have limited resources especially in terms of time, money and our ability to manage emotional stress. Preparing for the holidays often means stretching these resources even when many feel that their resources are already being stretched to capacity. However, with a little planning and effort all of us can experience some holiday enjoyment without causing financial and/or emotional bankruptcy.
Here are some tips that you can use to help make holiday time less stressful.
Set Healthy Expectations:
* Do not expect perfection of yourself or others.
* Simplify family traditions that may be too expensive, time consuming or non conducive to your already hectic lifestyle.
* Avoid feeling compelled to attend every holiday event.
* Prioritize what is truly important in making the holidays special for you and your family.
Be fiscally responsible:
* Before you go shopping, decide how much you can afford to spend on gifts or other holiday expenses.
* Stick to your budget.
* Use cash as often as possible. Using credit cards often leads to spending more than you can afford and usually makes what you are buying more expensive due to interest and finance charges.
* Explore ways to express holiday cheer that do not cost lots of money.
* Look for ways to share expenses especially in regards to gift giving and event planning.
* Remember that you truly can not buy happiness, love or acceptance.
Alleviate family strain:
* Set Differences aside.
* Avoid using holiday gatherings as a time to resolve old and recent grievances.
* Accept family members for who they are, not who you wish them to be.
* Understand that not everyone experiences the holidays the same way. Be supportive to those who appear to be struggling.
* Remember that the only happiness you can truly control is your own.
The most important thing to remember is to be kind to yourself. Pace yourself, eat well get enough rest and let the true spirit of the holidays, Peace & Love guide you.
If you or someone is needing support during the holidays call PTC (954) 741-1099.
Here are some tips that you can use to help make holiday time less stressful.
Set Healthy Expectations:
* Do not expect perfection of yourself or others.
* Simplify family traditions that may be too expensive, time consuming or non conducive to your already hectic lifestyle.
* Avoid feeling compelled to attend every holiday event.
* Prioritize what is truly important in making the holidays special for you and your family.
Be fiscally responsible:
* Before you go shopping, decide how much you can afford to spend on gifts or other holiday expenses.
* Stick to your budget.
* Use cash as often as possible. Using credit cards often leads to spending more than you can afford and usually makes what you are buying more expensive due to interest and finance charges.
* Explore ways to express holiday cheer that do not cost lots of money.
* Look for ways to share expenses especially in regards to gift giving and event planning.
* Remember that you truly can not buy happiness, love or acceptance.
Alleviate family strain:
* Set Differences aside.
* Avoid using holiday gatherings as a time to resolve old and recent grievances.
* Accept family members for who they are, not who you wish them to be.
* Understand that not everyone experiences the holidays the same way. Be supportive to those who appear to be struggling.
* Remember that the only happiness you can truly control is your own.
The most important thing to remember is to be kind to yourself. Pace yourself, eat well get enough rest and let the true spirit of the holidays, Peace & Love guide you.
If you or someone is needing support during the holidays call PTC (954) 741-1099.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Positive Thinking
OPTIMISM
“Man is disturbed not by things, but the views he takes of them”. This piece of ancient Greek wisdom is important to keep in mind during today’s trying times. Personal and global events may have significant impact our emotional state, however, the intensity and duration of this impact is greatly determined by the way we think about a particular event. Recent research has concluded that individuals who adopt an “optimistic” way of viewing the world and related events are happier and more successful than their “pessimistic” counterparts. Pessimists see primarily the negative or worst aspects of things and expect only bad or unpleasant things to happen. Pessimists tend to be problem focused. This often creates self fulfilling prophecies which produces the outcome they fear or worse. The optimist on the other hand is the person who expects the best possible outcome or looks for the most hopeful aspects of a situation. Optimists tend to be far better problem solvers because they tend to look for solutions and opportunities for success.Optimism should not be confused w/ being a “Polly Anna” or living in a state of denial during difficult times. Rather, it is the skill of altering thoughts that block happiness and sabotage an individual’s ability to cope with and move beyond difficult times with grace and dignity. Even in the most difficult of times there are individuals who achieve success. Having a personal outlook that promotes growth and well being enhances yo ur chances of personal and professional fulfillment in any time.
Written by: Jeffrey Jabick, LMHC (PTC)
Resource: Book- Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman, Ph.D.
“Man is disturbed not by things, but the views he takes of them”. This piece of ancient Greek wisdom is important to keep in mind during today’s trying times. Personal and global events may have significant impact our emotional state, however, the intensity and duration of this impact is greatly determined by the way we think about a particular event. Recent research has concluded that individuals who adopt an “optimistic” way of viewing the world and related events are happier and more successful than their “pessimistic” counterparts. Pessimists see primarily the negative or worst aspects of things and expect only bad or unpleasant things to happen. Pessimists tend to be problem focused. This often creates self fulfilling prophecies which produces the outcome they fear or worse. The optimist on the other hand is the person who expects the best possible outcome or looks for the most hopeful aspects of a situation. Optimists tend to be far better problem solvers because they tend to look for solutions and opportunities for success.Optimism should not be confused w/ being a “Polly Anna” or living in a state of denial during difficult times. Rather, it is the skill of altering thoughts that block happiness and sabotage an individual’s ability to cope with and move beyond difficult times with grace and dignity. Even in the most difficult of times there are individuals who achieve success. Having a personal outlook that promotes growth and well being enhances yo ur chances of personal and professional fulfillment in any time.
Written by: Jeffrey Jabick, LMHC (PTC)
Resource: Book- Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman, Ph.D.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Create Work/Life Balance
Establishing an effective work/life balance is one of the most important keys to having a healthy and productive life. An inability to establish and maintain a healthy balance can lead to significant emotional and physical distress. One of the biggest barriers to creating this balance is that most people don’t know how to make the transition from work to home. However, with a little effort, planning and practice, this transition can become smooth and seamless. The following are some tips you can try to facilitate this transition:
*Improve time management and assertiveness skills
*Enhance relationships w/ co-workers and managers to improve teamwork. This will allow you to be more effective and efficient while at work.
*If possible, devote the final minutes of your day to less pressured tasks.
*Empty your mind of unfinished business by “putting pen to paper”. Then place what you have written in one of two places; a folder labeled “For Tomorrow” or the trash can.
*Embrace the commute home. Use the alone time to de-stress.
*When at home focus your attention on family and issues you enjoy.
*Pre-arrange w/ your family some “me time”.
Healthy work/life balance is not easy and requires practice. We at PTC have counselors that can provide you with further coaching and counseling to help manage the demands of work and home more effectively.
*Improve time management and assertiveness skills
*Enhance relationships w/ co-workers and managers to improve teamwork. This will allow you to be more effective and efficient while at work.
*If possible, devote the final minutes of your day to less pressured tasks.
*Empty your mind of unfinished business by “putting pen to paper”. Then place what you have written in one of two places; a folder labeled “For Tomorrow” or the trash can.
*Embrace the commute home. Use the alone time to de-stress.
*When at home focus your attention on family and issues you enjoy.
*Pre-arrange w/ your family some “me time”.
Healthy work/life balance is not easy and requires practice. We at PTC have counselors that can provide you with further coaching and counseling to help manage the demands of work and home more effectively.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Tips to Cope with the Recession
Hearing about how bad the U.S. and world economies are is inevitable. We are constantly reminded of things like the poor housing market, diminishing retirement portfolios, rising unemployment and failing companies. Inflation is causing many to feel as if they are in a financial vice. To make matters worse, we are told that things are likely to get worse before they improve. No wonder that more and more of us are experiencing increased emotional unrest.
Feeling powerless over what is going on in the world intensifies our distress. But there are things we can do to minimize the impact of difficult financial times on our emotional and psychological well being.
First, make an effort to practice basic stress management techniques on a daily basis. These include but are not limited to: eating well, getting adequate sleep, exercising on a regular basis and finding an outlet to talk about your thoughts and feelings.
Secondly, despite your powerlessness over global economics, look for ways to gain control over your personal finances. It is recommended that one of the most important things you can do during uncertain economic times is to establish an accessible “emergency cash reserve”. This seems daunting to many, because so many of us live paycheck to paycheck, but you would be surprised with how a little effort, creativity and ingenuity can lead to some significant monthly and yearly savings.
Some recommended tips include:
Feeling powerless over what is going on in the world intensifies our distress. But there are things we can do to minimize the impact of difficult financial times on our emotional and psychological well being.
First, make an effort to practice basic stress management techniques on a daily basis. These include but are not limited to: eating well, getting adequate sleep, exercising on a regular basis and finding an outlet to talk about your thoughts and feelings.
Secondly, despite your powerlessness over global economics, look for ways to gain control over your personal finances. It is recommended that one of the most important things you can do during uncertain economic times is to establish an accessible “emergency cash reserve”. This seems daunting to many, because so many of us live paycheck to paycheck, but you would be surprised with how a little effort, creativity and ingenuity can lead to some significant monthly and yearly savings.
Some recommended tips include:
1. Keep a log of daily, weekly and monthly expenditures and look for opportunities to cut out “non-essentials”.
2. Purchase generic brands at supermarket.
3. Utilize newspaper coupons
4. Contact utility companies, especially those regarding services like cable and phone services and inquire about cheaper plans.
5.When shopping, go with a list of exactly what you need and stick to that list. Avoid impulse buying.
6. Unplugging all electrical items when not in use can save hundreds of dollars/year.
7. Use cash whenever possible. Paying w/ credit cards often increases the cost of your purchases and encourages us to buy more than we need or can afford.
8. Pay bills on time and when possible on-line.
9. Be aware that many of us spend more when we are under increased stress. Look for healthier ways to deal w/ your feelings.
10. Do a house cleaning and look for unused items you can sell on line or at a tag sale.
11. When possible take advantage of any opportunities to increase household income streams.
2. Purchase generic brands at supermarket.
3. Utilize newspaper coupons
4. Contact utility companies, especially those regarding services like cable and phone services and inquire about cheaper plans.
5.When shopping, go with a list of exactly what you need and stick to that list. Avoid impulse buying.
6. Unplugging all electrical items when not in use can save hundreds of dollars/year.
7. Use cash whenever possible. Paying w/ credit cards often increases the cost of your purchases and encourages us to buy more than we need or can afford.
8. Pay bills on time and when possible on-line.
9. Be aware that many of us spend more when we are under increased stress. Look for healthier ways to deal w/ your feelings.
10. Do a house cleaning and look for unused items you can sell on line or at a tag sale.
11. When possible take advantage of any opportunities to increase household income streams.
By: Jeffrey Jabick, LMHC
http://www.jeffreyjabicklmhc.com/
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Parenting Tools: Kids and Drug/Alcohol Use
It seems, that in today’s increasingly complex world, children appear to be “growing up” at an accelerated pace. At younger and younger ages, children and teens feel compelled to behave in ways they believe to be more “adult like”. Unfortunately, experimentation with drugs and alcohol is one of the more common symptoms of “pre-mature” adult behavior.
As with adults, but even more so with the still developing minds and bodies of children and teens, drug and alcohol use can cause significant harm. It important for parents, teachers, and counselors to have some understanding of potential warning signs and what to do should they suspect their child is engaging in drug/alcohol related activity.
Signs of Drug Use in Children and Teens:
Change of friends.
Be especially wary if your child begins to interact with older friends.
Known or suspected use of drugs by friends of your child.
Extreme changes in mood, moodiness, or increased irritability
Carelessness about personal appearance and grooming
Isolating from family members
Increased defensiveness
Decreased interest in favorite activities
Altered sleep or eating patterns
Diminished performance at school and truancy
Increased disciplinary problems
Troubles with the law (DUI’s, shoplifting, disorderly conduct)
Red or glossy eyes; constant running nose
Family history of alcohol and/or drug problems
Missing money, alcohol, or prescription drugs
Finding suspected drug paraphernalia ( i.e. pipes, butane lighters, rolling papers)
Awareness and maintaining an active and caring interest in your child’s well being is the most important aspect of minimizing child/teen drug problems. If you suspect that your child is using drugs or alcohol, it is most important that you address the issue as soon as possible.
Here are some ways to address this issue w/ a child:
Approach your child from a place of concern rather than anger
Inquire and ask questions but avoid the temptation to directly accuse
Be specific as to what you see, hear and smell that leads you to believe there may be a problem
Expect your child to be defensive; stay as cool and calm as you can
Set limits and use appropriate consequences for unhealthy or unacceptable behaviors
Continue to get education on substance abuse and parenting tips
If troubling behaviors and warning signs persist or worsen, seek professional help. Professional Toolbox Consultants are located in Plantation, Florida (954-741-1099).
As with adults, but even more so with the still developing minds and bodies of children and teens, drug and alcohol use can cause significant harm. It important for parents, teachers, and counselors to have some understanding of potential warning signs and what to do should they suspect their child is engaging in drug/alcohol related activity.
Signs of Drug Use in Children and Teens:
Change of friends.
Be especially wary if your child begins to interact with older friends.
Known or suspected use of drugs by friends of your child.
Extreme changes in mood, moodiness, or increased irritability
Carelessness about personal appearance and grooming
Isolating from family members
Increased defensiveness
Decreased interest in favorite activities
Altered sleep or eating patterns
Diminished performance at school and truancy
Increased disciplinary problems
Troubles with the law (DUI’s, shoplifting, disorderly conduct)
Red or glossy eyes; constant running nose
Family history of alcohol and/or drug problems
Missing money, alcohol, or prescription drugs
Finding suspected drug paraphernalia ( i.e. pipes, butane lighters, rolling papers)
Awareness and maintaining an active and caring interest in your child’s well being is the most important aspect of minimizing child/teen drug problems. If you suspect that your child is using drugs or alcohol, it is most important that you address the issue as soon as possible.
Here are some ways to address this issue w/ a child:
Approach your child from a place of concern rather than anger
Inquire and ask questions but avoid the temptation to directly accuse
Be specific as to what you see, hear and smell that leads you to believe there may be a problem
Expect your child to be defensive; stay as cool and calm as you can
Set limits and use appropriate consequences for unhealthy or unacceptable behaviors
Continue to get education on substance abuse and parenting tips
If troubling behaviors and warning signs persist or worsen, seek professional help. Professional Toolbox Consultants are located in Plantation, Florida (954-741-1099).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)